Vermont Winter in Stowe-Smugglers Notch

Skiers have long known the joys of Vermont Winter in the "Stowe-Smugglers Notch" region of Northern Vermont, also known as the "Ski Capital of the East," where you'll find the iconic Stowe Mountain Resort above the town of the same name, Stowe.

"Smugglers' Notch" is a winding pass at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, between Stowe and Jeffersonville. The road through the Notch, Route 108, is one of two officially designated scenic highways in the state and is closed during the winter, from about mid-October through mid-May.

Follow SnoCountry's current Vermont ski reports right here on Vermont.com, then click on a resort for more details. It's Vermont Winter.

Snowboarding, as we know it today, began when a young man named Jake Burton Carpenter started manufacturing fiberglass snowboards out of his garage in 1979. Of course, Jake is the namesake of the market-leading Burton Snowboards Company, with its headquarters in Burlington, located just west of the "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region" region.

Is snowmobiling your passion? The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) maintains a "vast" network of scenic snowmobile trails throughout the "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region of Vermont. Eighty percent of the VAST trails are on private land, so staying on those trails is very important. Snowmobiling on these private lands is indeed a privilege to be respected.

It's easy to access VAST's trails. You will need a valid trail pass, state registration, and insurance. You can also take a guided tour from one of Vermont's many snowmobile tour operators. You do not need to re-register in Vermont if you are already registered in your home state or province, but you must join a local club and purchase a trail pass.

Snowmobile Clubs of the "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region include the Gihon Trak Packers in Eden, the Lamoille County Snow Packers in Morrisville, the Smugglers' Notch Snowmobile Club in Jeffersonville, the Sterling Snow Riders in Johnson, the Stowe Snowmobile Club, and the Wolcott Snow Travelers.

The "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region of Vermont is a great place to enjoy cross country skiing. Gliding across pastures, fields, and through the woods on cross country skis is as serene or exciting as you want it to be.

Most winter days are pleasantly cold. Enjoy the sun when it pokes through beautifully once March rolls around, offering a truly delightful spring skiing experience.

And when you see the sun or moon sparkling on the Northern Vermont fields of snow, or glistening off Mount Mansfield, the photograph in your mind never will go away. It's easy to say, "I love you" in Northern Vermont Winter.